In one of the rarest instances, Barney Gibson, the first class cricketer aged just 19 has decided to hang his boots. Gibson played first-class cricket for Yorkshire Academy and was the regular member of his squad. The wicketkeeper-batsman has recently rescinded his contract with the county.

Barney Gibson, the youngest cricketer to retire at 19

The 19-year-old’s retirement came as a shocker to fellow sportspersons worldwide. He retired at the age when youngsters begin their career in games like Cricket, Football, Badminton, etc. In fact the cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar almost created history when he played his maiden international test match at the age of 16 in test series against Pakistan in 1989.

Now the Leeds-born wicketkeeper is planning to explore some other career options. While the actual reason behind Gibson’s retirement is still unknown but it is speculated that he might pursue a career outside the ambit of cricket or any other sports.

Gibson didn’t prolong his career in cricket and took retirement with immediate effect at a young age of 19. It can’t be expected from a cricketer who began his career as early as the age of 15 years. The English cricketer made his debut for Yorkshire Academy against Durham University in 2011. The player got special permission from his school to pursue his career in cricket while missing classes.

He made his solo appearance at a first class-match against Durham University and remained unbeaten on 1*. Although he didn’t get much opportunity to score at that match but he was successful to pick 6 catches in that match. The cricketer however couldn’t make it to the playing XI of the England’s national cricket team even after four years of his association with the County cricket.

The county’s director of cricket development Ian Dews wished the youngest cricketer good luck and all the best for his future. He also stated that it was Gibson’s own decision to retire from the game and everyone at the club wished him a glorious journey ahead.

Barney Gibson thanked every fan, player and support member for their cooperation rendered to him at Yorkshire. “I feel it is right time to look at a career change” the cricketer added. Gibson also played football as a goal keeper for his team at the Leeds united academy before entering cricket.

Let’s congratulate the youngest cricketer who created history by making his debut in a county match at the age of mere 15. Herewith fans are wishing the young cricketer all the best for his future.

Atish Home Chowdhury is a freelance writer. sports are inseparable from him. He especially loves WWE, Cricket and other sports. It was long ago during his childhood he aimed to become a cricketer first but his creativity didn’t allow him to become a player. Instead he chose to be a sports journalist. This fulfills my aim both as a creative person as well as it keeps me inside the world of sports too.